DisplayLink makes Linux source code available... finally!

The long-burning question on the DisplayLink scene (you know, with its DisplayLink bars and coffee shops, and the annual DisplayLink parade) has been: "When will Linux users be able to get in on some of that video-via-USB action?" Well, it looks like we have an answer for you, penguin-heads. As of today, the company is announcing the release of the open-source implementation of its graphics software, offering support for the Alex family (DL-120 and DL-160) chips. So prepare to go wild writing drivers for all of your favorite Linux-based devices, and be sure to drop us a line when you do. Seriously -- it's been a while since you called. Hit the read link to get started, or check out the full PR bit after the break.

LGPL Library Allows For the Development of Big Screen Connectivity for Linux devicesInterop Las Vegas 2009

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today DisplayLink is taking steps to bring its USB display technology, formerly only available on Windows and Mac, to Linux. DisplayLink's chips enable one or more high resolution displays to be connected via the standard, universal USB 2.0 connector. The library released today enables the creation of Linux software – X Servers, drivers, and other applications – which will work with the growing universe of products using DisplayLink technology.

The library is provided under the GNU Lesser General Public License v2 (LGPL), enabling software to be ported by the community to cover the widest possible range of processors, platforms, and applications. This ultimately enables companies to create products which will work on the full variety of Linux devices like netbooks, notebooks, mobile Internet devices, mobile phones, embedded displays, embedded devices, digital signage, and more.

"We are enabling those in the Linux community to take DisplayLink USB graphics technology and apply it to new and exciting range of applications," said Jason Slaughter, director of marketing at DisplayLink. "DisplayLink technology can be found in many USB connected monitors, universal docking stations, and projectors, and there are thousands of Linux-based devices that could benefit greatly from the plug and display simplicity of USB graphics."

In order to encourage the development of the best possible support for USB displays in Linux, DisplayLink has partnered with Novell, developer of SUSE Linux. "Novell works with hardware partners, like DisplayLink, to provide support for a wide range of devices in SUSE Linux Enterprise," said Carlos Montero-Luque, vice president of business and product management at Novell. "Support for DisplayLink USB graphics devices will build on the broad hardware support already available in SUSE Linux Enterprise for notebooks, netbooks, and desktops and will give customers greater flexibility in choosing which device they use."

DisplayLink has also partnered with the Linux Driver Project (LDP) in an effort to accelerate the development of Linux drivers for DisplayLink USB devices. "The LDP started out as a single place for hardware manufacturers to contact in order to get drivers written for their devices for free," said Greg Kroah-Hartman, Linux kernel developer and head of the Linux Driver Project, "We are now a group of more than 200 Linux kernel developers committed to improving Linux support for new hardware devices, like DisplayLink USB graphics."

For companies building unique products on top of Linux, technology consulting companies such Endurance Technology in the UK, and InoScope in Poland are also available to provide paid development and support services for DisplayLink devices, also building on the DisplayLink LGPL library.

"By providing the widest possible support for DisplayLink devices under the LGPL license, we combine the ubiquitous connectivity of USB and the kind of universal device coverage only possible with Linux to creating an ideal breeding ground for innovation on DisplayLink's hardware platform," added Slaughter.

For more information about the DisplayLink LGPL Library project or to download the source code, go to www.displaylink.org.